With new techniques, technologies, and patient-centered recovery strategies, spine surgery is undergoing a quiet revolution. At the forefront is Ibrahim Hussain, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine and an expert in minimally invasive approaches, is redefining what’s possible for patients undergoing spinal procedures.
Unlike traditional open surgeries, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) aims to achieve the same surgical goals through smaller incisions, reduced tissue disruption, and cutting-edge navigation tools. According to Dr. Hussain, these methods offer a host of advantages: “Minimally invasive approaches have consistently shown reduced blood loss, postoperative pain, and infection risk—with patients returning to work sooner and weaning off opioids more quickly.”
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are central to Dr. Hussain's practice. These evidence-based practices go beyond the operating room, incorporating thorough preoperative preparation, patient education, multimodal pain management, and early mobilization to support faster, safer recovery. “ERAS is about aligning care around the patient experience,” he explains. “It streamlines recovery while minimizing the need for opioids.”
Same-Day Surgery: A New Standard for Select Procedures
One of the most exciting developments is the expansion of same-day spine surgery. Common procedures such as minimally invasive laminectomies, microdiscectomies, and select cervical or lumbar fusions can now be performed without requiring an overnight hospital stay.
“The difference in recovery time can be significant,” says Dr. Hussain. “A one-level cervical or lumbar fusion might typically involve a two- to three-day hospital stay. With a minimally invasive approach, patients are often discharged the same day or within 24 hours.”
Recent advancements in surgical technology have made that level of efficiency possible. Three-dimensional computer-assisted navigation enables faster and more accurate instrumentation placement, minimizing time under anesthesia. New retractor systems and spinal endoscopy techniques allow complex procedures to be performed through incisions less than an inch long.
Careful Selection, Personalized Recovery
Despite the benefits, not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive or “awake” spine surgery—procedures that are performed with patients under conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. Ideal candidates are typically those with significant medical comorbidities that make general anesthesia risky, such as severe heart failure or advanced kidney disease.
To manage pain while minimizing narcotic use, Dr. Hussain’s ERAS protocols prioritize non-opioid medications. “We rely on a combination of high-dose acetaminophen, anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications, and muscle relaxants,” he explains. “This strategy not only manages pain effectively but reduces common opioid-related side effects like grogginess and constipation.”
Addressing Patient Concerns and Ensuring Safety
Understandably, patients often express concerns about managing pain after discharge. “Rebound pain is a real concern, particularly in the first 1–2 days after surgery,” says Dr. Hussain. “That’s why we emphasize detailed counseling before surgery and close follow-up afterward.”
Patients receive a check-in call within 48 hours of discharge and are educated on red-flag symptoms. Follow-up visits are scheduled at two weeks for wound evaluation and again at six weeks with imaging to monitor recovery. Patients are provided with 24/7 contact information if questions or concerns arise for added peace of mind.
A Look Ahead: What’s Next in Spine Surgery
Looking to the future, Dr. Hussain is enthusiastic about innovations in augmented and virtual reality. “We’re studying how virtual reality can help patients manage post-operative pain and nausea—imagine putting on a headset and seeing a calm beach scene as a distraction technique.”
He also anticipates increased use of artificial intelligence to guide surgical decision-making and predict which patients will most benefit from minimally invasive approaches. “We’re working on this from a research perspective,” he says. “The next 5–10 years will bring remarkable shifts in how we deliver spine care.”
For patients, those shifts mean more personalized treatment options, fewer complications, and a smoother journey from surgery to recovery—all while maintaining the high standards of care that define Weill Cornell Medicine.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Spine
Whether you're struggling with chronic back pain or considering your surgical options, Dr. Hussain and the team at Weill Cornell Medicine are here to help. Discover how same-day spine surgery and minimally invasive techniques can transform your recovery.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hussain today and take control of your spine health.
